“Now,” said Lady Susan, turning her attention back to Mrs. Bennet, “you mentioned you have a brother in town. Can you tell me something about his situation?”
To the lady’s credit, she did not bat an eyelash when she learned of Mr. Gardiner’s profession, nor did the earl appear to consider it an unfortunate connection. As Mrs. Bennet spoke, several others inserted comments, leading to the Fitzwilliams’ learning the truth about the Gardiners, that they were excellent people, even if their status was nothing compared to peers of the realm. Lady Susan discovered enough of them to understand that Lydia would benefit from staying in their house, approving their plans and offering to include them in their outings.
“Then it is settled,” said Lady Susan when they had discussed this for a time. “If you stay with your relations, we shall ensure to include Miss Lydia in the activities we devise for Georgiana and Miss Kitty.”
Lady Susan then turned her attention to the elder sisters. “I shall assume you will also go to London, especially you, Miss Bennet.”
No one misunderstood Lady Susan’s glance at Mr. Bingley or Jane’s sudden blush. Jane called on her serenity to push such things away, however, and answered the question in the affirmative and with credible composure.
“And what of Miss Mary?” asked the countess.
“I beg your pardon, Lady Susan,” said Mary, “but I have little interest in society.”
Lady Susan offered a kind nod. “Yes, I understand the sentiment, Miss Mary. Given the circles in which your sister will now move, I believe you must learn at least something of it.”
Mary offered a noncommittal nod.
“Then here is what I propose,” said Lady Susan to Mrs. Bennet. “I shall offer an invitation to Miss Bennet to stay with Georgiana and Miss Kitty at my house, and as Miss Bennet is of age, she may, of course, attend events of the season with us. At some point, Miss Kitty and Georgiana will return to Darcy’s house; when that happens, I propose that the rest of the family join Miss Bennet in staying with my family.”
“That is a generous offer, indeed, your ladyship,” said Mrs. Bennet, staying in such exalted circumstances filling her with awe. “What do you think, girls?”
“I have no objection,” said Mary.
“Thank you for your kind invitation, Lady Susan,” said Jane. “It would please me to accept.”
“For my part,” said Mr. Bennet, a hint of humor in his tone, “I have even less of a taste for society than Mary. Your offer is all that is generous, and I am pleased for my family to accept, but I shall remain in Hertfordshire.”
Lord Matlock laughed. “I see you are a kindred spirit, Mr. Bennet. Had I the choice, I might also prefer to remain at my estate and allow my family to do as they will in London. It is not a place for the faint of heart to be certain.”
“It is even worse than that, your lordship,” said Mr. Bennet. “You, at least, have two sons to help maintain your sanity, while I must endure the company ofsixladies.”
Mr. Bennet smiled at Elizabeth. “Lizzy has done me the singular honor of removingoneof those ladies from my house, but as she is the most sensible, I must long for rational conversation all the more!”
The company laughed at Mr. Bennet’s witticism, even as Mrs. Bennet’s cry of “Mr. Bennet!” was not at all unexpected. Mr. Bennet was not at all chastised, as his grin at his wife must attest.
“Then I believe it is all settled,” said Lady Susan. “Miss Bennet, Miss Kitty, we shall depart for London on the morrow; I should think it is best that you travel with us.”
“Of course, Lady Susan,” said Jane. “Kitty and I will prepare our effects tonight.”
“Thank you again for your unparalleled kindness to my daughters,” said Mrs. Bennet, her sincerity unmistakable.
“Not at all, Mrs. Bennet. We shall enjoy their company very much, and yours when the time comes.”
THE DECISIONS MADE, preparations began in earnest for their departure. The Darcys at once decided that they would also leave the next day for Ramsgate, such that both estates became a bustle of activity.
“No, I shall not go to London for the moment,” said Mrs. Darcy when her son confirmed his mother’s plans. “If you will forgive me, a few weeks’ solitude at Netherfield is appealing to me. Perhaps I shall join you in London when you arrive.”
“Very well, Mother,” said Darcy. “We shall inform you when we make our way to the city.”
It was also no surprise that Bingley was anticipating the coming time in London and was not at all put out by his need to depart from Netherfield.
“I might be quite put out if you did not offer an invitation to Miss Bennet to stay with you.” Bingley sported his usual animated grin, but this did not detract from the utter seriousness with which he spoke. “If she were to remain in the neighborhood, I would have nowhere to stay. Now, if you will endure me at your home, I may visit Miss Bennet whenever I wish.”
Fitzwilliam guffawed at Bingley’s enthusiasm. “That is admirable, Bingley, for you appear no less besotted with a Bennet sister than Darcy here.”
“That is a fair approximation of the truth,” said Bingley. “While my acquaintance with Miss Bennet is still new, I am aware of her excellence.”
“Yes, I saw it for myself. Tell me, old chap—would you be opposed to a little friendly competition?”
